Probable Tree Sparrows by the Farm.

Friday 7th April 2023.

This male Kestrel came by the Farm and put on a nice performance.

A much better start with the weather this morning with bright sunshine with hardly a cloud in the sky. It was still rather cool though, with a fresh northerly blowing to remind all that winter wasn't long ago. First, I took a walk down to ‘Pooh Bridge’ and then up the track opposite the Alpaca Field and even across one of the back fields to view from there. But despite the sunny weather, there was nothing new to be excited about, but there was always something to look at along the way.

A pair of Stock Doves were in the Alpaca field.

The 'Pooh Bridge’ area was rather quiet this morning though there were a few Chiffchaff seen flitting about, but none close enough to grab a photo or two. The Willow Tit was heard singing again this morning, though distant and this time, I did not get a view of the bird. A few Siskin flew over calling, but there was no chance in getting a glimpse of the birds as they are so tiny and to glimpse one against a bright blue background proved impossible.

Above, this Dunnock held territory along the small hedge and below, a distant Common Buzzard laid claim to another hedgerow.

From the scrubby area to the fields, I picked out a pair of Stock Doves in the Alpaca Field, but they didn't hang around too long on my approach. On one of the distant hedgerows, a Common Buzzard was perched until flying off eastbound over the countryside. It might have taken nearly all week, but my first Skylarks of the trip here to North Yorkshire finally showed, as first a single bird flew high overhead singing and then a second bird was heard only singing in the neighbouring field. Singing Yellowhammers were heard in the distance and the occasional bird flew high overhead.

Some more photos of the male Kestrel.

I was pretty sure that a pair of Tree Sparrows were in the hedge by the car park at the Farm, but before I could get to look at them through the binoculars, they both flew off; but judging by their calls, I am 99% sure they were. Walking back to the Cottage, a male Kestrel came in and hovered over the scrubby area near the car park, showing very well. It did dive down to catch something, but checking its empty talons, I think it failed this time around as it flew off towards the Alpaca field.

Above, a Red-legged Partridge near the end of the Alpaca field. Below, the path here was quite muddy and wet first thing this morning. To the right, the Alpaca field and to the left, the Wigwam field that also held Holiday accommodation. 

The rest of the day was spent in the City of York. Not for my benefit of course, but for the ladies again and it was simply packed with people. Shops, shops and more bloody shops; which is quite possibly my worst nightmare, so thank God there were a few watering holes available. The Park and Ride was superb and yes, Yorkminster was very impressive, but never again, hopefully. Birding pal, Geoff Farwell sent me a text to say he was birding at Farley Mount this morning where he had two Goshawks and a steady movement of Linnets. I have not seen a Goshawk yet this year, but we will probably see one in the New Forest sooner or later.  We all make our way home tomorrow for the long journey home, but I will say that the hospitality during our stay here has been superb and the accommodation excellent.     

My first Swallow of the year.

Thursday 6th April 2023.

This Nuthatch showed well near the Farm in the rain this morning.

It was another wet start to the day, but the rain eventually moved away around 9am and, thankfully, our plans to go to York today were suddenly changed by the ladies in our family group. Phew! The thought of trouncing around in the rain in a strange Town was so unappetizing, it was like going back to Leeds again. So, instead of York, we went to nearby Monk Farm Park instead.

Above, it looked quite bleak over the hills nearby and below, the Willow Tit showed well this morning, below, but I struggled a bit in getting a decent photo of the bird as it flitted through the trees.

Before breakfast, I took one of my walks around the Farm we were staying at and despite the rain, there was plenty to look at again. The Willow Tit was present again, although this time not singing, but showed well near what we have called ‘Pooh Bridge’ and within the same area, good numbers of Chiffchaffs were present as well as a showy Nuthatch that sat for 30 seconds or so, right out in the open. A small flock of Long-tailed Tits flitted around the small bushes and trees and overhead, several Siskin flew by. Siskins seem to be everywhere this morning and a pair were seen in one of the fruit trees in front of the main House by the Farm.

Several Siskins were seen this morning including this gorgeous male bird above, in the fruit tree by the Farmhouse. Below, Long-tailed Tits were seen by 'Pooh Bridge'.

When I was making my way back, one of the Farm Hands stopped me and asked me if my Granddaughter would like to see a newborn calf that had been born around 6am this morning? So I quickly grabbed Isabelle and before long, we were watching the calf with its mother in one of the Barns along with many other Calves and pregnant Cows. The Farm Hand told me that a Tawny Owl is regular here and tends to perch on a post in front of the main building at night (Becky heard it a few nights ago!) and also a Barn Owl is present in the fields where the Alpacas are, but seems to come out at dusk. I shall be looking for it tonight, hopefully. While I was indoors for a while, I could hear a Bullfinch calling from the garden close by. So much ‘finch’ list here is growing well!

Above, one of the many Chiffchaffs seen this morning near 'Pooh Bridge' and below, the newborn Calf Isabelle and myself were allowed to see this morning.

Monk Farm Park is a huge area that breeds various types of Sheep, Goats, Alpacas and even a few Cows. Children can bottle feed the newborn lambs and there is a petting area inside a Barn that is also a big attraction for the children. Two newly born lambs suddenly got the crowds running for a view inside the Barn and our Sinead couldn't get enough of it! The whole area is virtually outside and of course, I am checking for anything of note for my ‘Nozzles’ (Blog!) and low and behold, while enjoying a nice cup of Hot Chocolate from the cafe, my first Swallow of the year flies over the area! Finally!

Above, my first Swallow of the year flying over the Park and below, one of several Common Buzzards seen also flying over the Park.

In fact, down at the far end of the Farm, there was a small lake that a good number of both Canada Geese and Mallard reside and when a passing heavy shower took everyone by surprise, we took shelter nearby and a pair of Swallows came in and flew around the Lake until disappearing off north. There was also a stream at the far end that attracted several Chiffchaffs and a few Long-tailed Tits. I pointed out to the guys a female Kestrel perched on a fence post some 80 yards away and though it was searching for anything on the short turf, it didn't seem to have much luck and eventually flew off. The obligatory Common Buzzard soared high overhead a few times and while taking a quick rest on a bench overlooking the Hills in the background, a Grey Wagtail flew over briefly as I pointed it out to Becky.

Above, the female Kestrel we all saw in one of the Sheep fields and below, I found this Chiffchaff having a bath by the edge of the Stream.

Still, I think we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here despite my bad back and Becky's bad hip, lol! Isabelle really enjoyed herself, especially bottle feeding the lambs. The rain came back in during the early evening and therefore scuppered my chances in having a walk at dusk around the Farm. Never mind, it looks as though it is going to be a pleasant day tomorrow.       

A surprise singing Willow Tit by the Farm.

Wednesday 5th April 2023.

This singing Willow Tit was a real surprise as it burst into song in front of the Farm. The rain was falling quite heavily and so I could not grab some film footage of the bird singing, but I am pleased with this photo.

The good weather simply would not last long and this morning, the rain arrived again. Though it was milder, the rain would last all day and so I had to make the most of this morning's walk around the Farm, as we had to make our way to not only pick up our Isabelle's coat that we left behind last Sunday from the New Inn, but also the ladies wanted to visit the main shopping centre in Leeds. Doh!

There were plenty of Primroses growing by the Stream and also on the nearby roadside to the Farm.

Though the weather was grim, I found my first Willow Tit of the year; a species I have not seen for at least 7 years (an individual I saw while staying in a Cottage in Devon). The bird was actually singing and looking back, I wished I had recorded it on my camera, but I was worrying about my camera getting too wet and the poor weather made me decide to take photos only. Thinking about it, the bird was heard yesterday somewhere deep within the woods, though I could not find it at the time. The bird showed very well, though high up in a tree and later on in the evening, as we were getting out of the car after our trip to Leeds, the bird was heard calling again in a bramble above the car park.

A soggy day meant that not a great deal of birding was done today. However, the Willow Tit was a real bonus.

Walking down the track near what we labelled ‘Pooh Bridge’ (a small bridge that Isabelle and I played Pooh Sticks on the stream), there were at least 6 Chiffchaffs seen or heard around the area, that included a pair that were chasing each other through the treetops. Also present was a singing Blackcap, but the bird would not show as it sang deep within brambles nearby. Up to four Redwing were heard then seen perched high up in some trees in the same area and then flew off over my head and out of view. There was also a small flock of Long-tailed Tits flitting about within the trees and showing well.

A blast from the past. John Goodall and myself at one of the shelters on Southsea seafront where we saw some good seabirds going through the Solent between late March to May. This was taken 9 years ago.

I checked both the fields nearby for anything of note and all was quiet here in the rain. As I was walking back towards the car park, a male Sparrowhawk flew in low at speed and belted through the farm towards its target! Later this evening, again as we were getting out of the car, the same bird or another male Sparrowhawk flew through again in exactly the same direction. Sadly, more rain is expected tomorrow, though I will take a stroll to see if any migrants have arrived. 

Bittercress (possibly Hairy Bittercress) growing around the Farm.

       

On the Farm & Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Tuesday 4th April 2023.

This Treecreeper was seen picking off Spiders Webs from a Silver Birch tree within the Wildlife Park.

A busy, but a superb day with the family on another bright sunny, cloudless day. Our plan today was firstly for our Isabelle to feed the Farm animals here at Water Hill Farm, which was arranged for 8.30am and after a quick breakfast, a trip down to Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, to visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park for the rest of the day. I have to admit, I am really not one for Zoo’s, however, this was pretty exceptional and as well as the ‘kept’ animals of the world, the whole Park is very ecological friendly with plenty of habitat for our UK birds to breed and inhabit between all the attractions.

From top to bottom: Dunnock, male Blackbird and a male Greenfinch. All these were seen while I was with Isabelle this morning by the Farm.

I was up early this morning, checking out the fields to the north of the Farm for anything of note. Overhead, Yellowhammers, a Meadow Pipit and a few Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch flew over, while nearby, Chiffchaffs were in full song in the trees nearby. Nothing of note really feeding in the fields with the Alpacas and so I made my way back to pick Isabelle up, ready for her to feed the Farm animals. 

Above, a Goldfinch in the hedge above the Farm Car Park and below, a Blue Tit by the Weather Vane.

However, it didn't quite go according to plan as the Farm hands had to get three young Goats on a trailer, which took quite a bit of time and therefore, not enough time for Isabelle to feed the Alpacas. On a positive side, we got to see the young Pigs, the Sheep, the Banded Cows with their young and of course, the Alpacas.

Above, nesting Coots were dotted around the small lakes and below, several Little Grebes were also noted on the lakes, with some coming very close to the footpath at the Wildlife Park.

The hour there simply flew by and with a big smile on her face, Isabelle and myself went indoors to have breakfast and then get ready for the long journey to the Wildlife Park. The 80 minute journey there was a bit tedious with some of the roads showing low speed limits, especially on the A1M. We believe it was a deliberate ploy to simply slow the traffic right down as there was no sign of any accident on the aforesaid road!  

Above, another Little Grebe feeding close to the main footpath. Below, Sinead spotted this Common Buzzard sitting distantly on a fence post from the main path. Many more were seen throughout the day soaring high in the clear blue sky.

I have to say, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is certainly a great place to go and definitely gets my vote. Yes, it was packed with people during this Easter term, but it was very clean and tidy, bar a few discarded Zoo maps and empty drink bottles. The Park covers 260 acres of land and it could take around an hour to complete the circuit there on the easiest route if you didn't look at anything. Even our Sinead said she counted over 1200 steps today here on her Smartwatch! 

Above, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you might be on a huge Nature Reserve with so many superb areas for our wildlife to flourish here. There were many different habitats here for a variety of bird and animal life to see here. Below, a large flock of Sand Martins came in and explored the area, mostly near the Water Treatment Works and when something spooked them, all the Corvids and Gulls got up and also a pair of Oystercatchers! 

As mentioned earlier, I was far more interested in photographing the UK birds and there were plenty of them to keep me very interested. Instead of writing chapter and verse, I shall let the photos do the talking; though I will mention that the huge flock of Sand Martins that flew over several times was brilliant to watch. On the Zoo side of things, the 6 Polar Bears that they have there were amazing and probably the only opportunity to see these amazing animals in the flesh. Becky has made noises about going up to the Arctic to see these and other amazing creatures up there; but because of Global Warming, I think we need to do this sooner rather than later.

Above, Pied Wagtails were abundant throughout the Wildlife Park including a flock of 12 by the Water Treatment Works and below, House Sparrows made the most of people dropping their crumbs by the many cafes present.

Some other birds of note included a male Reed Bunting and a flock of around a dozen Pied Wagtails near a Water Treatment Works opposite one of the Polar Bear attractions. Common Buzzards soared overhead (sadly, no Alpine Swift!) and on the fresh pools (and there were a lot of them), Little Grebes, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shelduck were all seen and nesting Coots were abundant. Cetti’s Warblers were calling within the reedbeds, but no early Sedge Warblers were heard. In a wooded area which they labelled a ‘British Wood’, we saw Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue, Great and Coal Tits as well as both my first Peacock and Speckled Wood butterflies of the year.

A few butterflies were on the wing during our trip to the Wildlife Park including (above) several Peacock butterflies and below, a Speckled Wood. Both were my first for the year.

Above, Horses Hoof Fungus growing on a Silver Birch Tree.

With all this wildlife habitat for our native species, I think I would most certainly come back here again, for I am sure there could be some notable summer visitors using the many lakes and woodland here.   

Above, another photo of the Treecreeper collecting Spiders webs and below, a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull enjoying some offal left by one of the Polar Bears. This species and both Herring and Black-headed Gull were making the most of the large pools by the Polar Bear encampments.

On the lakes, there were plenty of wildfowl including Teal (above) and Shoveler (below). Several Grey Lag Geese were also seen by the edge of the lakes. 

On the way back from the Wildlife Park, a flock of 2 Great White Egrets with 3 Little Egrets flew high over the A1M some ten miles into our journey back as dusk was approaching. Shame I could not get a photo of them for the record. Over the past few weeks, I have had trouble with my back and after playing football with Isabelle and her Dad yesterday, this idiot really made a mess of his back this time as I took painkillers and wore a heat pad all day for my stupidity! I just hope I get a better night's sleep than I did last night!! 

Above, there was a Little Egret feeding along one of the waterways within the Park and below, at least two pairs of Gadwall were seen today. Such smart birds.

Above, a pair of Shelduck flew in and settled on one of the Lakes. Below, this male Pied Wagtail looked stunning in the sunshine.

My first Polar Bear I have ever seen in the flesh. Will I see one in the wild in my lifetime?

I met this thing at the Wildlife Park! Yes, there was a Dinosaur Park here too!